A Katrich Treasury

The Artist's Choice of
Favorite Luster Vessels

"Hudson River Valley", 1105 (10-1/2"):
Adam Macagna Collection.

"This vase is an homage to the 19th Century
American painters of the Hudson River School.
The bucolic landscapes, glowing sunsets and
accomplished techniques of these artists provide
inspiration and challenge to their modern counterparts.

"Ceramic materials, properly handled, allow for
saturated colors. These can appear much like a
varnished oil painting. I experienced considerable
satisfaction in the making of this piece. It was
easy to lose track of time in the process."




"Over The Waves", 1074 (8"):
Dyroff Collection.

"Chevrons of light moving across a moonlit ocean."




"Magnolia", 1073 (6-1/2"):
Phillip Morici Collection.

"This vase is a true depiction of a magnolia tree
in my front yard. Like certain Japanese paintings,
it takes advantage of the "happy accident" to impart
life and motion."




"Midwestern Summer", 1011 (16"):
Everson Museum Collection.

"My impression of the landscape rapidly passing,
while driving rural roads in Ohio and Illinois
in high summer. The glaze was intended to recall
the azure sky, gold and green fields, and
sun-dappled trees. To me, cornfields, wild grass
and uncultivated trees are the unappreciated, natural
beauty of the common experience. They represent life,
vitality and well-being: the quintessential America.

"I was honored when this piece was chosen for the
permanent collection of the Everson Museum."




"The Trees That Stand Asleep", 1003 (16-1/4"):
Nickel-Horvath Collection.

"The title of the vase comes from a poem:
"Frost that brings no dying to the
trees that stand asleep."

"In my environment, I've learned to appreciate
the special beauty of winter. Depicted here is
dormant nature pulsing with potential life.
Nothing ever really dies."




"When Summer Ends", 0962 (13-3/4"):
Mobile Museum of Art Collection.

"This is my impression of the last hold of
summer, as it turns to autumn. Jackson Pollock,
an artist whom I admire, has exerted a sub-conscious
influence on my pottery: flows and drips are
natural to the glazing process."




"Sunrise, Sunset", 0942 (5-3/4"):
Private Collection.

"An entire summer day in three dimensions."




"Lost Horizon", 0870 (15"):
Ron and Miriam Forim Collection.

"The idea of a private Eden is very appealing:
tropical colors, perpetual sunlight,
mile-high waterfalls. This is the full chroma
of a sheltered, endless summer, where the
troubles of the world cannot intrude."




"Summer - August Dawn", 0804 (10-1/2"):
Nickel-Horvath Collection;
"Autumn" - When the Leaves Fall", 0815 (12"):
Nickel-Horvath Collection;
"Winter - The First Snowfall", 0810 (12-1/2"):
Private Collection in New York City;
"Spring - The Winds Of April", 0816 (10-1/4"):
Nickel-Horvath Collection.

"These vases were the keynote works for my solo show -
"Four Elements, Four Seasons", at the YWCA of the
City of New York Gallery, in 2004.

"They are true impressions of scenes from one of my windows
through the passage of a year. Although abstract, I
attempted to capture the color, movement and textures
of this universal theme."




"Frost and Fire", 0766:
Corbo-Lytwyn Collection.

"I often make pairings of opposites in my work.
Visual paradoxes can create considerable energy.
Where strangers meet, excitement begins."




Paul J. Katrich and his luster vessel
"A Midwinter's Night", 0678 (14-3/4"):
Nickel-Horvath Collection.

"Few things in nature are as peaceful as a
January night under a thick blanket of snow.

"This vase was a special creation for the
YWCA of the City of New York, in 2003. It was
sold at auction with all proceeds benefiting
the organization. At the time, it was the
largest-extant example of my work, achieving
a record price at public sale."